In a major relief for fruit growers of Valley, Indian Railways has launched parcel train service for Kashmir to help ferry fruits from Kashmir to markets in Delhi.

Two dedicated parcel vans will depart from Budgam railway station from today, one bound for Delhi and the other for Jammu, carrying the season’s finest apples.
Ashwini Vaishnav, Minister for Railways, in a post on X, said, “With the Jammu-Srinagar line operational, the Kashmir Valley has better connectivity. Railways is introducing a daily timetabled parcel train from Badgam in the Kashmir Valley to Adarsh Nagar station in Delhi starting 13th September 2025. Loading of 2 parcel vans carrying apples from Badgam to Delhi is beginning today.”
Each of the parcel vans can carry 23 metric tonnes of apples, officials said, adding that more vans would be provided if demand increases. The initiative is expected to ease transport for traders and ensure timely arrival of apples in the Delhi market.
With the introduction of this train, fruits will reach the consumers easily and on time and in good condition.
Railways said the daily time-tabled parcel train, consisting of eight parcel vans, will depart Badgam station at 6:15 am and reach Adarsh Nagar in Delhi at 5 am the next day, making it convenient for apples to hit the market early in the morning.
The move marks the beginning of a transformative era in Kashmir’s logistics, offering a faster and more reliable route for the Valley’s celebrated horticultural produce to reach national markets.
“By reducing dependence on vulnerable road routes, these direct rail services signify a bold new chapter for commerce in the region—invigorating the horticulture sector and providing fresh impetus to the economy of Kashmir as a whole,” a railway official said.
Bashir Ahmed, Chairman of the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers-cum-Dealers Union, welcomed the development but said growers were still looking forward to the launch of goods trains to ferry fruit directly from Kashmir.
“We are hopeful that goods trains from Kashmir will start soon, and we have already begun registering growers for that,” Bashir said.
The closure of 270 kms long Srinagar–Jammu National Highway due to heavy rains has left Kashmir’s apple industry reeling.
Growers say they are unable to transport their produce to markets outside the Valley, resulting in losses in crores.
September is the peak apple harvesting season, and the industry is facing massive losses.
Under normal circumstances, nearly 1,000 trucks loaded with apples leave the Valley every day for markets across the country. Now only a handful of small vehicles manage to ply the Mughal Road, an alternative route growers insist is far from sufficient.
“Indian Railways has confirmed its readiness to provide additional Parcel vans and even increase the size of the trains if more demand is received. The railway authorities, including Principal Chief Commercial Manager NR and DRM Jammu, are in constant contact with state authorities, the horticulture department, and various Fruit Growers Associations and traders to ensure a smooth operation,” a Railway official said.
Indian Railways earlier moved the first freight train carrying Cement from Punjab to Anantnag in Kashmir on August 9.